Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is an increasingly popular method with several advantages, such as being able to perform at bedside with a simple kit, with a less number of medical staff and less amount of time. PDT is easier to perform, offers less bleeding risks and post-operative infection rates compared to conventional surgical tracheotomy. However, PDT is being performed more in the pulmonology and intensive care medicine than in otolaryngology. Herein, we introduce PDT and share our experiences, hoping otolaryngologists use our procedure more.

Background and Objectives: Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is an easy and fast technique that can replace surgical tracheostomy (ST). Less bleeding, easy technique and short procedure time are the main advantages of this tecunique. This study is to evaluate the feasibility of PDT during the head and neck cancer surgery.Subjects and Method The medical records of 12 patients who underwent PDT during a head and neck cancer surgery in the period of September 2019 to September 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Another medical records of 12 patients who underwent ST during the head and neck cancer surgery were acquired for comparison. PDT was performed using Ciglia Percutaneous Tracheostomy Set® (Cook Critical Care). Parameters of blood loss, procedure time, wound communication between the cervical and tracheostomy incision and complications were compared between the PDT group and the ST group. Results: The PDT group showed less blood loss, shorter procedure time and showed fewer incidences of wound communication. As for complications, there was one case of conversion to ST due to procedure failure in the PDT group. The complication rate was not different between the two groups. Conclusion PDT can be used as a safe and effective procedure during the head and neck cancer surgery for selected patients.